Set in the heart of Singapore's downtown area, Gardens by the Bay topped the list as part of Tripadvisor's 2024 Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best, based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings collected on its website over the past year.
The nature park is home to a diverse collection of over 1.5 million plants.
Covering an area of 101 hectares, it consists of three waterfront gardens, the largest of which is the Bay South Garden, which houses two cooled conservatories, as well as so-called super trees.
Photo courtesy of Gardens by the Bay
Singapore Botanic Gardens came in second.
Located at the fringe of the Orchard Road shopping district in Singapore, it is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Covering an area of 74 hectares, it has more than 20,000 plants, including many endangered species.
It is open from 5 a.m. until midnight every day with free entry.
"Stroll through the lush greenery of Singapore Botanic Gardens and admire the diverse flora and fauna. Find tranquility as you meander along well-paved pathways, explore themed exhibits, and visit the serene Swan Lake," Tripadvisor recommended.
Photo by Singapore Botanic Gardens
Home to a 35-meter-tall waterfall, the world's tallest indoor waterfall, Cloud Forest ranked third.
Cloud Forest, as the name suggests, is the replica of actual cloud forest inside a big air-conditioned dome structure and houses thousands of plants of 135 different species from all around the world.
This greenhouse-like conservatory features spiraling walkways and one of the tallest indoor waterfalls in the world that rains down water from over 35 meters.
"Don't forget to bring a sweater for the cool atmosphere, and try to visit on a weekday for a less crowded experience," Tripadvisor wrote.
Photo courtesy of Gardens by the Bay
Located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, National Orchid Garden came in fourth.
The garden opened in 1995 and has become a must-visit destination on a tour of the island nation.
It boasts the largest display of tropical orchids in the world – there are over 60,000 orchids from 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids in its collection.
Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor
Marina Bay came in fifth.
As a tourism symbol of Singapore, Marina Bay is home to many skyscrapers, luxury hotels and giant shopping malls. The area made its mark with the giant Singapore Flyer Ferris Wheel, flower greenhouses and colorful super trees in the Gardens by the Bay Garden.
In addition, the state-of-the-art Esplanade Theater attracts visitors to watch performances and modern art galleries. In addition, the area also offers visitors many culinary options, from popular culinary centers to high-end restaurants.
"Stroll along picturesque waterfront paths, catch a breathtaking light show at sunset or take a bum boat ride or enjoy outdoor concerts while admiring iconic landmarks," Tripadvisor recommended.
Photo courtesy of Marina Bay
Located in downtown area of Marina Bay, Singapore Flyer ranked sixth.
Known as one of the largest observation wheels in the world, The Singapore Flyer has 28 air-conditioned capsules, each able to accommodate 28 passengers, and incorporates a three-story terminal building.
A 30-minute ride in one of the Singapore Flyer's glass capsules offers 360-degree views.
Tickets for a ride of the Singapore Flyer cost S$40 (US$30) for visitors aged 13 or older, and S$25 for children aged 3 to 12.
Photo courtesy of Singapore Flyer
Chinatown ranked seventh.
Chinatown is a busy and colorful district where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously, with a mix of hawkers, Chinese-influenced temples, and teahouses, all set alongside trendy bars, cafés, and independent art galleries.
While visiting Chinatown, don't forget to tour Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, explore Hindu architecture at Sri Mariamman Temple, shop at street markets, eat at Chinatown Complex or Maxwell Food Center and check out the Chinatown Heritage Center.
Photo by Unsplash
Located at one end of Chinatown's district facing Kreta Ayer Square, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum came in eighth and it opens its door between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The temple was built based on the Chinese Buddhist architectural style of the Tang dynasty to house the tooth relic of the historical Buddha.
It is believed that the relic of Buddha was found in a collapsed stupa. The relic can be viewed by the public at the 4th floor of the temple.
Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board
Merlion Park has become a long-standing landmark of Singapore where the Merlion is known as the official mascot.
It ranked ninth on the list.
Located at One Fullerton near the Central Business District, the park features two Merlion statues.
The original Merlion structure measures 8.6 meters tall and spouts water from its mouth. It has subsequently been joined by a Merlion cub, which is located near the original statue and measures just 2 meters tall.
Most visitors to Singapore want to pose for photos with these Merlion statues.
Photo courtesy Visit Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore, the country's oldest museum dating back to 1887, finishes the list.
Its facade boasts neo-classical features contrasted by new modernist extensions of glass and metal, making it an ideal location for selfie photos.
The museum preserves and interprets Singapore's social history, exploring the key events and people that have shaped the nation.
It is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
"Explore interactive displays, hands-on exhibits, and intriguing artifacts housed in a stunning building. Delight in the blend of modern and traditional as you stroll through well-structured galleries with multimedia illustrations," Tripadvisor wrote.
Photo courtesy of National Museum of Singapore
